‘Just Normal Everyday Things’: Patient experiences of occupation-based therapy in an intensive care unit (EFFORT-ICU)

Background: Occupational therapy is emerging as one of the components of early rehabilitation for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Purpose: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of mechanically ventilated patients participating in an occupation-based intervention, delivered in an ICU by occupational therapists. Method: Interpretative description methodology guided a qualitative study of participants in the intervention group of a single site randomised controlled feasibility trial (EFFORT-ICU). Semi-structured interviews were completed with 11 participants at 90-day post-randomisation. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data including (1) relationships with health professionals, (2) mastery of self through participation in daily occupations and (3) the journey of recovery. Participants perceived early engagement in therapy as positive. Conclusion: Participation in early occupation-based therapy, incorporating activities such as grooming and selfcare, was considered beneficial by patients who perceived it had a positive impact on their recovery and the experience of an ICU admission. The results support the contribution of the occupational therapist in ICUs in contributing to humanising care and enhancing longer-term outcomes of patients and highlight the importance of collaboration with families.